Bid with confidence.

I recall a conversation with a collector from Texas who had just received one of our catalogs. He told me he had a dilemma - that week alone he received five autograph auction catalogues and wasn't sure in which auctions he should participate. He expressed a common sentiment, "There are so many forgeries out there, and every one is guaranteed." Finally, he decided to place bids in our auction because we had done business in the past and he knew and trusted me. If you are receiving our catalog for the first time, or happened upon this website by chance, you may have the same concerns. Why should you take a chance with us? I'd like to think you would trust a guy who smiles and laughs a lot and always has a dog or two with him. Unfortunately, we live in the age of the scam artist and eBay rookies, so it might be helpful for you to know my background and qualifications.

I have been buying and selling autographs since 1980. After getting my Master's Degree in English Literature, I took a detour from academia and became an apprentice cook at the prestigious Olympic Hotel in Seattle (Now the Four Seasons Hotel). I then worked at hotels in Switzerland and London, finally ending up as executive chef at the elite San Francisco Golf Club. I began my second career in 1980 as a book cataloguer and then headed the Autograph Department of the California Book Auction in San Francisco. Since 1987 I have issued my own autograph catalogues. At the beginning of 1998, I switched to the auction format simply because these days most collectors and dealers will only sell their autographs through bonafide auction houses because the potential for profit is so much greater than selling to a retail dealer.

I belong to all of the major professional organizations which promote the highest ethical and professional standards for autograph dealers. I am a lifetime member, a regional director, and a Registered Dealer of the Universal Autograph Collectors Club. I am a member of the Manuscript Society, a charter member of the International Autograph Dealers Alliance, and a member of two elite organizations that have standards and professional qualifications so high that few applicants are ever accepted: the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America (member since 1988) and the Professional Autograph Dealers Association.

About CSA No auction house can operate with only one person, so Christophe has brought together an enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff, including Susan Scott, administrative assistant and shipper; and Paisley and Spencer Stickel, office mascots. Not pictured is our newest assistant, Angel, a spunky Maltese terrier puppy. Please give us a call, you won't regret it! We welcome your questions and want to win your trust and your business for many years to come.

Our tireless staff work all night long following the auction so that your invoice or price realized list will be in the mail the very next day. Here you see Spencer sealing envelopes as Paisley supervises.

Home || View Auction 165|| Place Bid || Register || Contact Us || See/Print Catalogue || Auction 165 Status